Snow Removal Plan

City Snow Removal Plan
The Street Maintenance Division has the responsibility for spreading abrasives and snow plowing for snow and ice control when required on city maintained streets. The overall objective of this division is to sand and salt all hills and bridges within two hours of snowfall / icing occurring; and all major street and connector roads within the first six hours.

The objective of the Street Maintenance Division Snow Removal Plan (PDF), in the City of Newport News, is to provide a roadway that is passable and safe for vehicular traffic. Traffic should be able to maintain its designated speed as much of the time as possible within the limitations imposed by the extremes of nature, and at reduced speeds with the exercise of due caution on the part of the motorist during storm conditions.

To achieve the above objective, the division has established a Snow Removal Plan (PDF) that divides personnel into two 12-hour shifts and they will work on alternating shifts until all Priority 1-3 streets are clear of snow and ice. The plan identifies the three zones, which the city is divided into, and the personnel and equipment assigned to each zone. Streets have been assigned Priority 1, 2, and 3 within each zone as outlined below:

Priority 1
These are hills, bridges, underpasses, etc., which normally are the first areas to freeze. These will be the first streets addressed when snow/ice occurs.

Priority 2
These are arterial and major collector streets and will be addressed once all of Priority 1 locations are completed.

Priority 3
These are collector streets, which normally have moderate traffic volume and should be addressed after all Priority 1 and 2 locations are completed.
Additional Street Clearing
In extreme weather conditions, the Street Maintenance Division has included streets leading to alternate bus stops. These street locations were coordinated and provided by School Transportation personnel.

Due to limited personnel, equipment, and material, this division does not provide this snow removal service on every residential street. Should this division be required to begin operations, it will be the property owner’s responsibility to clear snow from entrances and driveways. A detail of the streets to be addressed in each zone and priority is provided following this brief introduction to the Street Maintenance Division Snow Removal Plan (PDF).